When you have messy surfaces in need of attention, you may immediately think of the videos where a pressure washer quickly and easily blasts messes away til surfaces look shockingly brand new again. Before you go out and start blasting water and expecting a clean surface, it is important to know that there is more than one way to wash.
There are many factors which will inform the type of wash you should use. Depending on the surface, materials present, and size of the job you will want to use different types of washing in order to be the most effective and prevent damage.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washers have either an engine or motor attached to a high pressure hose which pumps out water more quickly and with an increased force to create a strong jet spray. The intense water pressure will dislodge dirt, grime, and other materials that have built up on or seeped into more porous surfaces. The water spray does the scrubbing for you so the job can be done more quickly and easily.
Pressure washing is effective for regular, basic cleaning, especially when it comes to quick jobs or smaller surfaces. This type of spray can be used on more surface types since it uses the water straight from the hose, just sped up, so it is not as damaging. This does mean that pressure washing isn’t as effective with messes beyond simple cleaning jobs including dirt, dust, mud, and similar substances.
Power Washing
The main thing that sets power washing apart from pressure washing is that in addition to a faster, more intense spray, it also uses heated water.
The hot water breaks down dirt and other materials more quickly and is much more effective than pressure washing with normal temperatures for stubborn messes like algae, mold, and grease. Because power washing with heat is so powerful, it can damage even stronger surfaces if you do not take the proper precautions.
Soft Washing
Soft washing uses a lower water pressure combined with cleaning solutions containing chemicals, soap, or disinfectant. This type of cleaning relies on the cleaning solutions to break down the messy materials, which can then be rinsed off by the lower pressure stream of water.
This type of washing is best for softer or more delicate surfaces which may be damaged by intense pressure. The chemicals are effective at cleaning off messy substances from these surfaces, but the process will generally take more time than a harder water stream would.
The experts at Vickers Pressure Wash Co can help you determine which type of wash will best fit your needs. Contact us today for information or to make an appointment.
